Sustainable education with calculators, marshmallows, and positive energy

[Standard Bank Graduate team]

Education is a sustainable way to make a positive impact on the life of any person. With this in mind, the PBB Graduates of 2013 adopted Matseliso Secondary School in Soweto. Lead by Nontokozo Maphumulo and Rella Suskin, the graduates started offering tutoring lessons for the Grade 12 class in subjects that students were battling with. They decided to focus on English and Maths as these subjects are the most important for university entrance. Giving the Grade 12 students the opportunity to attend a tertiary institution is the ultimate goal of the project, as this would make a sustainable impact on their lives as well as motivate those around them.

During the tutoring sessions, the graduates stumbled upon a challenge: the students didn’t have calculators. In order to solve this problem, Danielle Laity and Mickaela Michell ran a calculator drive and were able to raise funds and receive calculators in order to supply the students with the tools that they need to pass Maths and Accounting.

The graduates also realized that the students need guidance in planning their career route and area of study. On Sunday 9 June 2013, the 2012 and 2013 PBB Graduates held an event to help the Grade 12 students of Matseliso Secondary School with planning their path in tertiary education. The morning started with the graduates introducing themselves and giving a background of what they studied and what they are doing on the Graduate Programme. This served to show the students how many options there are and who to ask if they had a question about a specific area of study.

The students who have already planned their study paths and possible careers were asked to tell the room about their plans. After this, the students were given an information pack containing institution information and a personality test that could help them to decide on an area of study. The graduates worked through the personality test with the students and discussed, in small groups, what route of studies would suit them best.

Once all the serious career planning was over, the graduates and students had a bit of fun building towers out of marshmallows and spaghetti. It quickly became clear who had a future in engineering!

Overall it was a great morning, thoroughly enjoyed by both the graduates and the Matseliso students. The Grade 12s left feeling informed and inspired by graduates who were able to share their experience and advice. Many thanks to all involved.

To be part of the PBB Graduate Programme apply at www.standardbank.com/graduates